Less talk, more action required at Gosport & Fareham

The Gosport Park outfit are third from bottom and yet to record an away success this season.

And with Charlton Park, who sit one place below, improving all the time – Neil McRoberts’ team are nervously looking over their shoulders.

But the Gosport & Fareham coach is in no doubt about what is needed from his troops.

McRoberts said: ‘It is time to man up and show a desire to get out of the relegation battle.

‘The time for words is over now, it is time for action.

‘We are in the bottom three and we have to decide how much we want to change that.

‘When we get into a position to pick up points we have to be mentally strong and make sure it happens.

‘This game is an opportunity to show some intent and we must go into it looking for a win.

‘We have eight games left and we have to approach every single one as a battle.

‘A big commitment is needed from the players over the remaining weeks and staying in this league has to be our focus.

‘I have every belief and confidence that the players will rise to the challenge.’

At times this season, McRoberts has found himself taking weakened teams away from home because of lack of availability.

That has shown in their results but with four away games remaining he is looking for that to change.

The coming fortnight will prove pivotal as Gosport face a return trip to Kent next weekend to take on relegation-battling rivals Dover.

The last thing they want is to go to Dover on the back of another crushing away win.

McRoberts is forced to make changes again but he does have some experienced figures coming back into the side.

Rich Daley comes into the second row and the presence of the 42-year-old could prove invaluable.

Alex Duncombe returns at outside-half after injury and he will give the visitors an added kicking option.

McRoberts said: ‘Rich Daley is still a fantastic rugby player and he knows how to dog it out in games. It is good to be able to call on him and he will bring a degree of calmness when things get frantic.

‘It is great to have someone like Alex back in such a key position, too.

‘We just have to make sure we are up for it.

‘It would be the perfect time to chalk up a first away win.’

Gosport & Fareham: Jack Brawn, Rory Penfold, Kieron McRoberts, Wayne Dugan, Levi Hui Hui, Alex Duncombe, Wes Dugan, Ben Lanigan, Danny Gamblin, Freddie O’Toole, Trevor Westerman, Rich Daley, Anthony Reynolds, Tim Snowdon, Chris Thompson. Replacements: Nathan Titchener, Calum Kingi, Kieron Darrington